Situation in Tampa Bay only getting worse

Good Morning, Broncos fans! There are two stories of note from last night, and both come from the NFC South.

First, the Saints (4-0) asserted themselves in a 38-17 annihilation of the visiting Dolphins (3-1), who suffered their first loss of the season.

Drew Brees dropped 413 yards and four touchdown passes on the team that chose not to sign him in 2006, thus setting up his storied New Orleans career.

It was Brees's 10th time throwing for more than 400 yards, which is second only to Dan Marino in league history.

The Saints will head to Chicago to take on Jay Cutler and the Bears (3-1) on Sunday, while the Dolphins host the Ravens (2-2).

Ben Stockwell and Chris Burke recap the game; KSK sums it up in GIFtastic fashion; Peter King suggests that Week 13's MNF matchup of Saints @ Seahawks could be the top NFC matchup of the season; Ashley Fox says the return of Sean Payton has lifted the Saints to SB contention.

Josh Freeman

The other big story is the highly suspicious leak of Josh Freeman's presence in Stage 1 of the NFL's drug testing program. Of course, this information is supposed to be confidential, so the timing of this report seems rather convenient, given that the Bucs were already trying to run Freeman out of town on a rail.

Like millions of Americans, I have ADHD and I have been prescribed and permitted to take medication to treat this condition for the entirety of my NFL career. Well over a year ago, I took a different medication for the same condition (Ritalin rather than Adderall) , and to assure everyone that the error was a one-time mistake, I agreed to be voluntarily tested in the “NFL Program”. Since that time, I have taken and passed all 46 drug tests I’ve been given, which test for every drug and banned substance imaginable. I agreed to allow such testing to be done at my workplace (team facility) because I spend all of my time there and I have nothing whatsoever to hide or be embarrassed about.

Chris Mortensen's report says Freeman does have a temporary-use exemption, which would appear to validate Freeman's claim.

The assumption here is that someone with the Bucs is behind the leak, which would be a serious breach of NFL policy. What are the chances that the Ginger Hammer investigates the issue and metes out proper punishment? We'll go with slim to none...

Freeman has reportedly requested that Tampa Bay either trade or release him. According to Ed Werder, the Bucs will have shopped Freeman to each of the other 32 31 teams by sometime today.

Broncos News

Jack Del Rio has apparently told the Broncos that he could never find it in himself to leave them midseason.

Incredibly, Eagles DE Fletcher Cox thought on Sunday that it would be funny to mock Peyton Manning's pre-snap gesticulations, right before Knowhon Moreno ran the ball 10 yards in Cox's direction.

Tony Dungy thinks his 2005 Colts provided Peyton Manning with better weapons than the 2013 Broncos, and he thinks a Denver SB win would cement Peyton as the greatest QB ever.

Maths

According to Chase Stuart's data, the Broncos were tied for the highest Game Script score (an average lead of 15.5 points (!) on each snap) and were second in fied position in Week 4.

FO's Week 4 DYAR ranks Peyton Manning and Knowshon Moreno at #2 for their respective positions, and Demaryius Thomas at #5. Surprisingly, Peyton is the only QB to have had such a hot start through four weeks and actually follow through with a SB championship.

GIFtastic Schadenfreude

Does it really get much more satisfying than seeing the unquestionably dirty player Ndamukong Suh land on his ass during a celebration with Nick Fairley? The answer is no.

After Sunday, we may have to start referring to Mark Sanchez as Buttfumble #1, and Geno Smith as Buttfumble #2.

Doug is IAOFM’s resident newsman and spelling czar. Follow him on Twitter @IAOFM

DRC says he may retire after another year; Manning has won nine division titles in his last ten seasons; Asomugha to retire as a Raider; '93 Oilers reportedly had two gay players

Thanks for the link, I'm loving that show.

Posted by carsonic on 2013-10-02 05:55:57

Everyone is heralding this as a the greatest thing since sliced bread..

Will it indeed allow folks that were not eligible for health insurance for one or as sundry reasons?

Absolutely but having Insurance at in many cases an extortionate rate with even a higher deductible and actually finding a competent doctor that takes it are two different animals..

Frankly I could care less as I'm covered as it stands right now and probably for the foreseeable future.

But many folks are going to be paying MUCH more than they would have without it..

Also I suspect that the 30 million that were uninsured before will find insurance while a greater number will decide that they can no longer afford it and opt out and pay the $95 buck penalty if they have an issue..

My other concern is and what I shared with my Rep today is EVERYONE has to be covered with appropriate costs.. Himself included without any givebacks because he is special.. Or that EVERYONE is given the option of NOT signing up until everyone has to big business and unions included.. Good for one good for all.. or it should not be implemented..

And if you trust the IRS to administer this fairly I suspect you also believe in the tooth fairy..

this is going to be a problem for a long time until EVERYONE that votred for it actually reads it..

Posted by Lonestar47 on 2013-10-02 01:21:33

I simply cannot find myself wanting to disagree or challenge you, at this point (no promise for the future).First of all, IMO we're tracking with regard to the Eagles and the Chargers. No further comment.Secondly, with regard to PM as the Broncos" QB, I'm not inclined to question his ability to control almost any situation, barring "shit happens" (Thank you, Doug). With regard to "challenging Bronco supremacy", I'm as comfortable with PM's ability to ward off challenges to his status as the best "so far". And I do not expect a challenge to that currently (even in my lifetime).However, I'm never willing to expect that even an Alex Smith has reached his entelechy. I would not be surprised, in that system, with that coach, if he became somewhat more special.Likewise, SD's defense, while currently somewhat deficient, is not hopeless, and has IMO some potential given development, a piece or two, and some luck. I'd be reluctant to disregard them, especially under McCoy's umbrella, especially in the next year or two. And IMO developing teams are episodically dangerous before they are consistently challenging. I am willing to admit that your final point is well taken. I cannot point to numbers or statistics.It's just a gut feeling. And I suppose I should say that I reserve the right to be wrong (something I often say). It's just that things this year seem more disjointed than usual. KC, Detroit, and others surprise. The Giants, and other fade. I'm just doing my way of sorting. Any additional ideas are welcome.However, saying that, I still expect that the Bronco experience of rapid player and team development is, and will continue to be, of vital interest across the NFL.Just saying!

Posted by ivanthenotsobad on 2013-10-02 00:23:30

I'll add him. Could and should add some others.

Posted by ivanthenotsobad on 2013-10-01 23:44:33

OK. I'm drunk. But I loved this one.

Posted by Alaskan on 2013-10-01 22:51:13

Your comments otherwise are usually just fine, but when something synapses your brain to Obamacare, it's like you have a buttfumble in your brain.

That invitation to me inviting me to your Thanksgiving dinner, where Aunt Myrna will casually mention that Obamacare paid for a wart removal from her chin, and then you go off on a wine in the box rant..... I'll pass.

Posted by magster on 2013-10-01 22:25:03

Mad respect for anyone on TV who has a 3 martini halftime.

Posted by magster on 2013-10-01 22:19:38

Thanks for the kind comment, ivanthenotsobad. Regarding the Chargers and Kansas City, I agree they´re on the right track. Reid might have a lot of defects, and his last year in Philly was toxic (what happened with Juan Castillo is far from glorious), but as far as buliding solid organizations go, he has a proven track record. As for the Chargers, both the new GM Tom Telesco and McCoy inspire a certain confidence in NFL circles, in part because of their background in drafting (the former), in part because of their willingness to adapt to their players´ strength rather than try to force a fit (2011 Zombieland).

But I wonder if you really think they could challenge the Broncos´ supremacy as long as Peyton plays, because that I do not see. Kansas City´s offense will stay limited as long as Alex Smith is their QB ("one of the most tentative QBs in the NFL", as Cosell puts it, who leaves too many plays on the field), and Reid will also lose them close games with his game management wizardry. As for the Chargers, their defense is at least two years away from decency, because their holes are too prohibitive (29th against the pass, 31st against the rush, and they´ve been consistently bad -8th in variance-).

Like you, I believe player and team development is a far better way to improve than try to build mostly through FA, but I´m not sure there´s enough evidence to determine a trend in that direction is emerging. What makes you think that way? I mean, I´d like to see numbers that back that up, if you know of any, because that´s one thing that might induce a change in era across the NFL if more teams proved to be efficient at it (which isn´t easy, given how the draft is a crapshoot even for the best talent evaluators and staffs). I will say, though, that coaches like Trestman and Marone seem to be doing a good job of establishing cultures of rigor and accountability in their young teams, and that could factor into what you describe.

Posted by Goéland on 2013-10-01 21:39:18

I know i drink the kool-aid but i truly believe the broncos are a better team then any of the colts teams. Wayne, Harrison, Stokely and Clark are a special group for sure, but Thomas, Decker, Welker and Thomas are pretty special as well with a lot more size on their side and it doesn't need to be said how much that can help Manning. And when our D is back to full strength i believe it is better then the Colts.

Posted by jman75 on 2013-10-01 20:23:39

have no idea of what "woe is me comment" to which you are referring. Maybe we speak different languages.

Posted by ivanthenotsobad on 2013-10-01 20:20:12

admittedly i have not followed much of Freemans career, but i really believe many of the young qbs are given up on way too soon. From what i have understood in the past it seemed like he was showing promise and now they just want to toss him out. I'm not the biggest Flaco fan but there was talk just last year about the Ravens not sure he was the man and possibly needing to look elsewhere.

Posted by jman75 on 2013-10-01 20:15:18

GoelandBypassing the "derail", I'm willing to engage in discussion of my take on KC, the Chargers, Eagles and others (and appreciate your catching it - IMO you've become an interesting addition to this site).I guess what I'm saying is that I think I see a recognition of the JEJF emphasis on player development and team development, which is more reliant on staff competence to develop players that it is on the acquisition of accomplished players through FA or draft (a drift in emphasis) - tist emphasis as being both noticed and in the initial stages of being replicated and emulated by others most noticeably the three teams mentioned (but possibly, even probably, including others).Simply put (for the sake of Lonestar - sarcasm font applied), the Broncos IMO are starting a trend that is worth noticing.The irony IMO is that it is happening under the regime of Fox, who many would like to regard as too conservative to ever be associated with a creative trend. I suspect that almost everyone will credit JE solely, with JF as an unwilling encumbrance, but that would be IMO an almost fatal mistake. In fact, already those who decried the conservative approach of JF in insisting on running the ball when he had PM the best passer the world has ever seen, these people (eating heaping amounts of crow and weighing over 700 lbs) are now looking for an even more effective running game from Moreno, Hillman and Bell (not to mention the potential of CJ) to increase the use of the running game to enhance the options that have become crucial to the Bronco offense, and are impulsively critical when their renewed (and ingenious) interest in the running game does not live up to their newly discovered expectations.They forget that Moreno was initially criticized for his lack of strength and durability, tendency to injury and to fumble, lack of blocking ability, inability to find holes, etc.. Now we hear the same thing about Hillman (the youngest Bronco) and his lack of strength, lack of blocking ability, inability to find holes, tendency to fumble, etc, It is almost boring in its insipidity. I know most of us now feel (I'll arrogantly claim that I've been saying this for longer than almost anyone with the possible exception of Doc) that the Broncos are on to something (I couldn't believe early on that others did not see the potential in Julius Thomas - "he's beside the point; a non-factor", etc. were common comments).I'm now saying that I see signs that others are catching on, and that it will happen more quickly than we might expect.And I'm more than willing to discuss that. (Certainly more willing that to discuss Lonestar's political acumen - or obvious lack of it).

Posted by ivanthenotsobad on 2013-10-01 20:00:42

It´s certainly one of the most despicable leaks I can remember in the NFL. I don´t get why the front office went along with Schiano´s douchebaggery, though. Mark Dominik didn´t have a deplorable reputation prior to this, right?

Posted by Goéland on 2013-10-01 19:45:45

Coming from someone who has watched him for a long, long time, it´s between the 2005 Colts, 2007 Colts, and 2013 Broncos, and that is it. None of the other teams were as deep and talented, not even the 2009 team that started 14-0 and went to the SB. This team is undoubtedly in very rarefied air even by Manning standards.

Posted by Goéland on 2013-10-01 19:33:51

I´m also imagining what the Bucs players must be feeling right now, seeing their ex-captain thrown to the wolves in public like that. Quickest way to lose forever your locker room, I´d wager. And the rest of the NFL players must be taking notes. Freeman will come out of this far better than his coach. Would any team hire Schiano after all of this?

Posted by Goéland on 2013-10-01 19:25:05

John Tomasik, you know there are many commenters on this site that are very critical of rightwing dominionist policies and hegemonist objectives, so as bradley said, it´s not that there´s a lot of disagreement on that. But two wrongs don´t make a right. Given that Vick is reviled because he committed torture, in fact, the two events are probably not entirely unrelated. It has been proven that individuals who abuse animals have a stronger likelihood of abusing children and human beings later on. If a culture is to truly value life, inflicting cruel suffering on other sentient beings needs to be universally condemned.

the woe is me comment about a work load change and that it would not change in the foreseeable future IMO brought the response into play..

the facts are many AMericans are out of work because of what is happening, many others have given up looking for work and are not longer counted on the roles as unemployed, and last but not least even more are having their hours cut because of the nimrod's ACA bill..

You know the one that NO ONE on the far left read before passing it..

Myself I'd rather it was implemented and a lot of very angry voters going to the polls in 2014 as a result..

Posted by Lonestar47 on 2013-10-01 19:01:37

It was the altitude (they showed this on the telecast - this couldn't be in the visitor's locker room, could it?):

Posted by billyricky on 2013-10-01 19:00:25

You have just moved IMO from a dork to a rectum.

Posted by ivanthenotsobad on 2013-10-01 18:58:25

There was also a post where they listed Vasquez as a Charger still. Time for them to remind everyone they now belong to the best team in the NFL. A few more TDs for Wes and dominating performances by Vasquez should do the trick, so I expect that by next month, the PFF all-team will be up to date.

Posted by Goéland on 2013-10-01 18:53:10

Your reply really came out of left field. I mean, ivanthenotsobad´s comment didn´t even have a political tint. It was entirely about football, and I was eagerly anticipating a heated discussion about the prospects of Kansas City and the Chargers, because saying they´ll be significantly good at the end of the year is not something many Broncos fans rejoice at, but the derail is on, apparently.

Posted by Goéland on 2013-10-01 18:48:57

Wow you told me.

I can now see that it seems you are a socialist and thrive on people's needs

There has not been a recover by any cctrexh of the imagination and it was 911 that caused the dominos in the workforce to fall. As I saw it.

So In you little world of being a misery helper you see it myopically. IMO

Posted by Lonestar47 on 2013-10-01 18:43:08

There's nothing wrong with Sylvester Wiolliams, except that he's a rookie. The only reason he was inactive on Sunday is because they wanted more DBs in uniform to deal with the Eagles' offense. I'm sure he'll be back against the Cowboys.

Posted by billyricky on 2013-10-01 18:40:41

LonestarYou're such a dork!. Since everybody with a brain larger than an acorn knows that the 2008 economic crash and its aftermath were cause by the greed of Republicans (beginning with Reagan but blossoming under the Bushes) and that during the Obama administration things have slowly but relentlessly shown signs of recovering, you're snide Republican "upchucks" only serve to question your rational abilities.My kind of work is focused on helping people; that work is plentifully available. It doesn't necessarily pay well (but I live frugally). In fact, I mostly am asked to take on what I can handle.IMO lately the need for my kind of work has increased, than decreased some, largely in sync with the move from Republican to Democratic administrations, totally contrary to what you apparently would like to have the me, even the whole US, believe - fortunately, so far, without success.You'd be well served to keep your political beliefs to yourself, or better yet put them "where the sun doesn't shine".

Posted by ivanthenotsobad on 2013-10-01 18:15:49

I've got believe he will be a head coach somewhere next season.

Posted by iamafreeman on 2013-10-01 18:14:08

i'm just a troll man. don't mind me. love the site. it's like oxygen.

Posted by secret circuit on 2013-10-01 18:01:04

Let me add considering what is going on in the workforce, be glad they have decided to add responsiblity to your shoulders as many are getting hours cut, due to nobamacare.

Posted by Lonestar47 on 2013-10-01 17:30:41

You have forgotten to add Irving to your list of PLAYERS.

Posted by Lonestar47 on 2013-10-01 17:28:11

Easy on Pam, dude. We all know she messed up. How can you not forgive her instantly?

Posted by Yahmule on 2013-10-01 17:26:50

Thanks for your service. IMO it should be mandatory for every one, male and female before they are allowed to go to college, or workforce.

MOST would be better students or workers once they are done with their public service.

Posted by Lonestar47 on 2013-10-01 17:26:02

One thing I don't understand, John. Why are you wasting time worrying about Sylvester Williams' playing time when the United States is bombing other countries illegally?

Is that going to solve the problems over there? You know what they say about NOT being part of the solution, right, John?

Perhaps you're seeing something that eludes everyone else. Kind of an extra super power to go along with your enhanced empathy for the victims of war torn lands.

Is it possible Sylvester Williams is the man charismatic and persuasive enough to bring about peace in Syria? Maybe he just isn't high profile enough. He needs a bigger platform to get out his message. I can see how that might work.

Ba'ath Party Loyalist: "This 22 year old American is wise beyond his years, but he's not a starter."Free Syrian Army Rebel: "He's not even in the defensive tackle rotation."Ba'ath Party Loyalist: "Is he getting any playing time at all?"Free Syrian Army Rebel: "Not much."Ba'ath Party Loyalist: "DIE!"

I feel as badly as anyone that sectarian violence will wrack this region for generations, but John Elway does not allow anybody to play until they're ready. I hate to be blunt, but he didn't bow to Tebow's Christians, so I think it unlikely he'll yield to spare countless Muslims. We have Super Bowls to win.

But in defense of bombing other folks and some kids dying, IMO it is better than it happening here. 911, pearl harbor being the biggies.

For that matter hundreds of thousands of women and children killed as part of cleansing of cultures, by despots.

I think we all know that because of our wealth, culture, religions and last but not least the education of the general population the USA has always been a target of fanatics.

Did we cause some of that? you bet But had it not been us someone else would have done so.

It is hard to win the ill of the people in other lands if they are still living the way they did in medieval times. The rich or religious leaders in their countries do every thing they can to keep them dumb and pregnant.

Posted by Lonestar47 on 2013-10-01 16:33:48

So? You'll likely hear it again. Damn proud of having done it and the experience it gave me. More Americans should try it.

Vick did his time. I guess forgiveness isn't in your vocabulary.

Posted by John Tomasik on 2013-10-01 16:29:37

Iirc many thought this kid would be a damned fine QB, possibly the simple matter is the scheme in which numbnuts is trying to use him. When you fight with your boss something had to give.

In interviews of potential teams he can discuss the idiocy of the scheme and coach as it seems it is leaking out from many other sources the HC is an ass

Posted by Lonestar47 on 2013-10-01 16:22:34

Sometimes coaches just feel they need to justify the change, Freeman and the new guy just did not click much like cutlet and Mc D.

It happens and a word dropped here or there all of a sudden the coaches decision was a no brainer. I suspect his biggest concern was getting everyone invested in the new kid rather than what the trade value would be.

That is not a WIN now issue like the other.

Posted by Lonestar47 on 2013-10-01 16:18:53

Sounds like someone else is thinking Clady is overpaid in a manning scheme.

I've been thinking that way for years. They carried his ass the year after his knee injury and only last year was he looking NEAR the guy he was in his rookie season.

Sorry I've never been on his bandwagon.

Posted by Lonestar47 on 2013-10-01 16:15:05

If you really go back and look at Pryce he was drafted to be a DE that after a few seasons was placed at DT because we were not getting any push from the middle.

Iirc until his last season or so he mainly played LB in college.

So it too a while to acclimatize to the inside spot.

Posted by Lonestar47 on 2013-10-01 16:10:38

hed be silly to walk away from a team with super bowl aspirations as well.

Posted by Troy Fairclough on 2013-10-01 14:53:39

Haven't been able to participate much in discussion here recently, due to a significant work-load change (which will continue for a while), but would like to make a general comment regarding the various discussions that are on-going.While pleased overall with last Sunday's effort and the level of talent being displayed by the current Bronco team, a couple of things impressed me especially.1. Significantly, fewer number of dumb plays and penalties; there were still some, but the trend is to better discipline.2. The growing relentless displayed by both offense and defense. IMO it finally caused the noticeable "cave-in" by the Eagles also on both sides of the ball.3. Significant and noticeable development of some players. Clark, Manny, Ihenacho are frequently mentioned. But it was nice to see Johnson and Webster increasingly contribute at a high level.4. While it appeared the Eagles were beaten soundly, I thought the Eagles are a noticeably improving team. And, at the rate of improvement I sensed, they could end up as pretty significant by the end of the year, or by next year. That's also true of other teams, two in our own division - i.e KC and San Diego. Team development, as well as player development, seems to be growing as a kind of current NFL mantra. I think it would be a mistake to take almost any team lightly as the season progresses. In some ways, I sense the Broncos have set a new standard for team development that other teams are beginning to try to emulate. Could make the future even more interesting - and the overall quality of play much improved.

Posted by ivanthenotsobad on 2013-10-01 14:17:27

Wes Welker is listed as best slot receiver in the honorable mentions (as a member of New England!!)

Consider how this may actually INCREASE Freeman's value. He obviously has a plausible explanation so this totally comes across as a player being smeared, treated unfairly, etc. So, where does the general sentiment lie now? Squarely with Freeman. Almost every single time a team signs another team's problem to their roster, they're thinking, "He just needs a change of scenery, the kind we can provide." Does it look more like that now with Freeman... or less?

Posted by pubkeeper on 2013-10-01 14:01:26

Touche.

Posted by Jason Chestnut on 2013-10-01 13:59:43

And John, we're aware you were in the military. You've posted that nugget of information at least a dozen times now.

Posted by Yahmule on 2013-10-01 13:42:18

Yes, because Bradley and I are in favor of bombing children. Jesus Fucking Christ, John.

You do realize it is possible to care about more than one thing at a time, right?

Apparently you don't.

Michael Vick is in the NFL. This forum concerns the NFL and sports related topics. There are countless message boards on the internet that discuss the United States' deplorable foreign policy. You should add your voice to that chorus instead of hijacking this board for your own agendas. If I were running this forum, you would be on probation by now.

Posted by Yahmule on 2013-10-01 13:38:26

I've been a peacenik since the 60s so no argument about what our country does to others.To the extent that your comment about Vick comes across as excusing him, I can't go along with you.

Posted by bradley on 2013-10-01 13:36:48

Ever see what we do when we drop bombs on other countries? Yanno, those bombs don't target only combatants. Used to be in the USAF (35th Wild Weasels)....it's pretty damn horrid. No offense to dog owners, but killing kids isn't exactly what I call humane, either. And, what ticks me off is how indifferent our citizens are when we pull crap like that.

Posted by John Tomasik on 2013-10-01 13:32:56

Just putting dogs in a pit where they have to fight for their lives is horrible enough. But Vick tortured some to death, making wagers on how long it would take to die while hanging by the neck. Others he used electric shock on until they died.Please don't equate this kind of behavior with an "aggressive culture".

Posted by bradley on 2013-10-01 13:30:33

So?

Posted by Yahmule on 2013-10-01 13:27:37

Logically, he could be both.

Posted by ivanthenotsobad on 2013-10-01 13:23:26

Kudos on the Lard, but also mixing it up with some of the Prime Cuts early on!

Posted by Jason Shepard on 2013-10-01 13:16:08

I'm about tired of the personal judgements on Vick coming from our aggressive culture.

Posted by John Tomasik on 2013-10-01 13:08:19

He had to say something to rile up the Broncos fans who would be satisfied with the #1 ranking. Either that or he's a dolt. I'm going to go with the former.

Posted by Jason Chestnut on 2013-10-01 12:40:18

Trevor Pryce was inactive the first eight games of his rookie season. He was our best defensive lineman the following year.

Posted by Yahmule on 2013-10-01 12:29:58

They could be doing this because there was no trade value to begin with, and by smearing Freeman they hope to a win a PR battle that, in fact, they have already lost. They need to fire Schiano yesterday.

Posted by RockyMtnThunder on 2013-10-01 12:29:16

Tony Dungy also believes Mike Vick is a fine young man among other fairy tales.

Posted by Yahmule on 2013-10-01 12:22:08

Are competing GM's given player information that's considered confidential? Kind of pisses all over the definition of the word, doesn't it?

Given the murky circumstances regarding the team captain vote, Schiano is not getting anyone's benefit of the doubt.

Posted by Yahmule on 2013-10-01 12:20:46

Thanks Rossiya/ID for the info. I guess I'm simply impatient. :-)

Posted by John Tomasik on 2013-10-01 12:19:57

I don't think Wolfe's pass rush is most effective playing as a "true DE" in a 4-3. With Von playing, he plays more of a DT in a 3-4 type scheme. Ted would be able to explain it way better than I can but I don't think they drafted him for his pass rush abilities from the end position. He is more effective on the inside as a pass rusher which is where he will be in two more games. As far as Williams goes, it has been talked about last week but in case you missed it, it is really a combination of him being a rookie at a position that is notorious for rookies seldom having much impact early on and Denver having very good veteran DTs ahead of him. I seem to remember Trevor Pryce spending a good chunk of his rookie year on the inactive list and he turned out just fine.

Posted by IDBronco on 2013-10-01 12:16:19

I'm not the football expert many guys on here are, but I'd suggest that Wolfe and the others will likely break out and get to the QB starting in about 2 games. Once D's have to double team 58. Wolfe, Ayers and that once hated Phillips guy )) are going to go nuts. As to Sly likely he didn't dress because of Vick, need more DBs to chase him around, not big guys. Besides, he's a rookie, needs some learning from the sidelines, be patient with him and Q.

Posted by RossiyaBroncoFan on 2013-10-01 12:02:24

Deadspin's explanation of the leak makes far more sense, Doug. Why would Tampa destroy any trade value left for Freeman? No, this sounds far more like the leaks that occur around the draft about 'character issues' and Wonderlic scores - its just competing GM's driving the price down on the players they are targeting.

Posted by krissberg on 2013-10-01 11:44:22

Whoops, thanks. That's what happens when you partially change a sentence.

Posted by Douglas Lee on 2013-10-01 11:40:04

I'm hoping someone here can shed some light what/where he's lacking, and also what guys like Wolfe need to do to break out and get after the QB. If I remember right, early talk about Wolfe was that him relying on his bull-rush might not be enough, and he'd have to develop some moves. I'm wondering what someone like Doc here thinks of his progress in those areas.

Posted by John Tomasik on 2013-10-01 11:24:25

He probably doesn't suck, but he doesn't play FB either.

Posted by ohiobronco on 2013-10-01 11:21:53

The way the Bucs are treating him is a disgrace. The situation will continue to disintegrate as long as Schiano is employed.

Posted by Yahmule on 2013-10-01 11:19:55

I see what you're saying, but I suspect that isn't the way JDR sees it.

However, I am curious what the team will do without a serious pass rush from its defensive linemen. Doesn't seem like the 'talent' to accomplish that is present on this squad. Glad JDR's aggressive and brings it from other places, but it'd be nice to see Wolfe break out and start getting at the QB. He's been kinda quiet in that regard (at least that's my impression). Why wasn't Sly in uniform? Does he suck that bad?

Posted by John Tomasik on 2013-10-01 11:16:22

"Drew Brees dropped 413 yards and four touchdown passes on the team that chose not to sign him in 2006, thus setting up his storied New Orleans career."

Nick Saban picked Duante Culpepper instead.

8~)

Posted by Yahmule on 2013-10-01 11:10:05

On PFF's game day blog they had Chris Clark with the third highest grade from the game. That's pleasantly reassuring.

Posted by Hank Mardukis on 2013-10-01 11:07:08

I'm surprised the Fairley-Suh shockwave didn't knock over Ansah.

Posted by Chris Sturgess on 2013-10-01 11:06:44

I agree he is doing a very good job. Hard to imagine a DC with less pressure on him though.

Posted by ohiobronco on 2013-10-01 10:59:03

From the Flecher Cox story, "Will it possibly lead to some complimentary Meat Lovers pizzas delivered to Eagles headquarters?"DT's response, "Only winners get wings."

Posted by Brian H on 2013-10-01 10:58:39

I'd argue it's the team with the best front office. Dungey might argue with that, too....lol....

Posted by John Tomasik on 2013-10-01 10:56:11

Ain't the way I see it. Seems to me his D is doing pretty well, considering the changes/suspensions/injuries. I'm liking me some JDR.

Posted by John Tomasik on 2013-10-01 10:55:30

Went to read that McClane article about Cox mocking Manning. I grew up just north of Philly, and it made me chuckle how Eagles fans were so tough on that team (sometimes deservedly so). In that McClane article, there's a poll of which team in the division is the crappiest. Eagles fans put their team second worst in that division. I guess they're no longer that impressed with the second coming of Christ (Kelly).

Curious if you guys think that Clady is still as important to this team, or if it's possible that with a guy like Manning, you don't need that big-money tackle? It might be too early to say one way or the other, but so far, things seem to be going along pretty well.

I'm looking forward to seeing how the D will do when Miller gets back. If they can pull the Broncos pass D up into the top 10 with a pass rush (without having to blitz), this team will go to ludicrous speed.

I tend to think that this is the best team that Manning has played on. We can debate the merits of this team's skill players versus the ones on Manning's best Colts teams, but I think this year's Broncos team is certainly deeper across the board than any of Manning's Colts teams. There's no question, though, that this team is in the conversation for the best team Manning has played on, which brings me to this gem from Mike Florio's power rankings today:

"1. Broncos (4-0; last week No. 1): This may be the best Peyton Manning has ever played, but it’s far from being the best team he’s ever played on."

We can debate whether it's THE best, but to say it's FAR FROM THE BEST is just appalling nonsense and shows that Florio is simply too lazy to inform himself well enough to do his job properly.

Posted by AldenBrown on 2013-10-01 10:50:17

JDR has the most plum job in the NFL. Hold the other offense under 40 and he's good. Once Champ and Von come back I could be the DC and it wouldn't matter.

Posted by ohiobronco on 2013-10-01 10:47:06

Check out this bad boy sentence fragment: "Ashley Fox says the return of Sean Payton that has lifted the Saints to SB contention."

Posted by secret circuit on 2013-10-01 10:46:18

Jack Del Rio>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Bobby Petrino

Posted by RockyMtnThunder on 2013-10-01 10:44:43

Yeah, but maybe Freeman can pull off a Brian Hoyer II. I still think he'll be drawing an NFL paycheck long after Schiano draws his last one.

Posted by SteveS on 2013-10-01 10:43:21

The NFL drug policy has more to do with the conservative sensibilities of 32 elderly rich guys (who are certainly all taking all manner of medications themselves) than any type of rationality. If they cut the banned list down to serious narcotics and performance enhancers they would save themselves a lot of grief. Of course in this case it's just a team using it for their own rather vindictive ends.

As for Freeman, has has about as much trade value as BF1 (none). He'll end up competing for a low paying backup job somewhere next year.